Multi-functional dental composition

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to novel dental compositions and methods for preventing dental plaque and carie formation and generally for inhibiting tooth decay and brightening/whitening teeth. The compositions of this invention comprise organic acids such as acetic acid and salts thereof which can be combined with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents to be administered in the form of conventional dental compositions. The compositions of the present invention also preferably contain sodium hexametaphosphate. In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention is coated on or included in a dental treat, chew or toy for canines.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 09/758,148, filed Jan. 12, 2001, herein incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an oral hygieneproduct. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dentalcomposition coated on or included in a tooth paste, cream, gel, powderor dentifrice, an oral spray, a chewable tablet, chewing gum, a mouthfreshener, wash, flush or rinse, a toothpick, a dental floss, plaster,wipe or pack. The dental composition may also be coated on or includedin dog treats, chews or toys, including, but not limited to, a vegetablechew, a rawhide, a nylon bone or dental floss wound up or threadedtogether to make a treat, chew or toy. The present invention alsorelates to a method of using the dental composition to treat or preventdental disease and/or to brighten and cleanse teeth. Specifically, theinvention relates to multi-functional dental products containing adental composition comprising acetic acid and, optionally, sodiumhexamethaphosphate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Bacterial aggregation on the teeth is known as plaque and causesdental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis and other gum diseases. Avariety of microorganisms are present in the oral cavity. These rangefrom the natural flora of the host to pathogenic species. Among thesemicroorganisms are the gram-positive rods associated with the formationof plaque (a dense, enamel-adherent, microorganism-containingpolysaccharide matrix). Specific areas, including periodontal andsubgingival spaces, and interpapillary spaces of the tongue presentenvironments that harbor bacteria. These spaces are difficult to reachby tooth brushing, and are only moderately affected by standardmouthwashes. Mechanical methods have been used for some time for theprevention of dental plaque but have not generally achieved sufficientresults. Studies have shown that mechanical methods such as the use ofdental floss and inter-space brushes do not efficiently eliminateplaque. The persistence of these microorganisms in such environmentsgreatly increases the risk of calculus and plaque build up and carieformation, which in turn presents the danger of gingival inflammationand periodontal disease. Thus chemical plaque control as a substitute orsupplement to mechanical methods is sought.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,636,382 describes morpholino compounds which areuseful for the inhibition or removal of dental plaque. The '382 patentalso discloses that a wide variety of chemical and biological agentshave been suggested for the inhibition of plaque, such as penicillin,chlorohexidine, 8-hydroxyquinoline and ethylenediamine tetraacetate.However, many of these chemical and biological agents are described asexhibiting insignificant effects and often causing serious side effects.U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,871 describes the use of monoalkyl or dialkyl ethersof dianhydrohexitols to inhibit the formation of plaque and calculus onteeth. U.S. Pat. No. 4,178,363 describes the use of n-undecylenic fattyacid or a calcium or zinc salt thereof for reducing dental plaque andinfections of the teeth and gums. U.S. Pat. No. 4,119,711 describesspiro 1-(hydroxyalkyl)-piperidino derivatives which have efficacy inreducing the formation of plaque. U.S. Pat. No. 3,976,765 describesbis-biguanido hexanes in combination with nonionic surfactants andcertain foam stabilizers for use in a variety of oral preparations.Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 3,887,712 discloses that alexidinedihydrofluoride is useful in the treatment of dental plaque, calculus,gingivitis and related periodontal diseases. U.S. Pat. No. 4,160,821discloses that a glycerine solution of zinc chloride or other acceptablezinc salts provides effective therapy for gingivitis when applied to thegingivae and teeth. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,149,895; 5,240,415; 5,648,064; and5,645,428 disclose teeth-bleaching compositions having as activeingredient hydrogen peroxide. U.S. Pat. No. 4,012,839 teaches atechnique of disinfecting caries-infected or potentially caries-infecteddental tissue with silver nitrate, silver thiocyanate or its complexes.U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,600 teaches a method of treating teeth in dentistry,for the prevention of calculus, removal of caries, and dissolution ofplaque, comprising applying an aqueous solution containing ahypochlorite of an alkali and/or alkaline earth metal, and an aminocompound capable of forming water-soluble non-mucous irritating N-chloroand/or N-dichloro derivatives thereof to the teeth. U.S. Pat. No.4,327,079 provides a dentifrice composition containing synthetichydroxyapatite powder which is neutral or weakly alkaline or contains0.1 to 20% by weight of NaCl and/or KCl and 0.003 to 3% by weight ofMgCl₂ as useful for fortifying a surface of a tooth, promotingremineralization of the surface of the tooth and eliminating plaque fromthe tooth.

[0005] While it is thus clear that a variety of approaches have beentried in the past, efforts continue toward finding improved means forbrightening teeth and reducing and/or eliminating plaque without many ofthe side effects associated with the prior art, such as discoloration ofteeth or tongue, desquamation and soreness of oral mucosa, objectionabletaste, toxicity and imbalance of the oral flora. For example,chlorhexidine is known to stain teeth, and has been known to causetissue necrosis of the tongue and gums which may persist in tissue.Also, while chlorhexidine has good antibacterial qualities, it has poorcleansing qualities. Hydrogen peroxide has poor antibacterial propertiesbut works very well by using bursts of oxygen to flush out debris andcleanse.

[0006] Moreover, there is a specific need for a composition and methodwhich can effectively treat or prevent dental disease, as well as whitenand brighten teeth, as described above, in canines. Treating canineteeth often presents a particular challenge in terms of effectiveapplication of a dental product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] This invention relates to the treatment of teeth and gums. Anobject of the invention is to provide a composition for treating teeth,for the removal of plaque and caries, and for the prevention of thebuild-up of calculus.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a novelcomposition which is useful in cleansing and brightening teeth and inthe treatment of plaque and gingivitis without many of the adverse sideeffects associated with other compositions. It is another object of thisinvention to provide dental compositions which would cause little or noecological imbalance of the oral flora. It is a further object of thisinvention to provide a composition comprising a combination of aceticacid and conventional tooth paste ingredients wherein this compositionpossesses improved anti-plaque, anti-gingivitis and cleansing activity.

[0009] Another object is to provide a method for treating teeth whichremoves plaque and caries, without damaging the teeth.

[0010] Yet another object is to provide a method of treating teeth bydissolving away or dispersing plaque and caries, thus essentiallyeliminating the need for mechanical removal.

[0011] The composition of the present invention can be delivered incommon dental products such as tooth pastes, creams, gels, powders ordentifrices, mouth fresheners, washes, flushes or rinses, oral sprays,dental floss, plaster, wipes or packs, toothpicks, chewing gum, chewabletablets and the like. The dental composition may also be coated on orincluded in dog treats, chews or toys, including, but not limited to, avegetable chew, a rawhide, a nylon bone or dental floss wound up orthreaded together to make a treat, chew or toy.

[0012] The dental product of the present invention cleans andbrightens/whitens teeth. It is also suitable for the treatment of gumdisease. It is equally well suited for the prevention of caries, calculiand tartar formation as well as to help remove them.

[0013] By addition of a suitable carrier, e.g., a thickening agent, suchas colloidal silica, to form a paste, the solution may be more readilyapplied with an applicator such as a toothbrush, a wipe or the like.Such a paste or wipe may contain other conventional additives such as anabrading agent such as calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, magnesiumcarbonate, etc. The dentifrice composition of the present invention caninclude various other additives which are commonly employed indentifrices and are well known in the art.

[0014] The composition of the present invention need not to be insemi-solid or solid form, i.e., paste or powder, but can be equally usedas a liquid solution to be brought adequately into contact with theteeth for a sufficient period of time to enable the plaque and caries tobe dissolved and the teeth to be cleansed and brightened, e.g., as aconventional mouth rinse or mouth wash. Further, the composition mayalso be imbibed in a dental wipe.

[0015] The present invention also includes a method of treating teeth indentistry, for the prevention of calculus, and/or the removal of caries,and/or the dissolving of plaque, and/or brightening/whitening teeth,comprising bringing into contact with the teeth a composition comprisingacetic acid and preferably, a preparation containing conventional toothpaste or dentifrice ingredients. Conventional ingredients include, butare not limited to colorants, abrasives and polishing agents, flavoringagents, sweeteners, buffers, diluents, surfactants, gum, sodiumfluoride, glycerol, chelating agents, and other ingredients well-knownas dental additives and carriers.

[0016] The preferred dental product of the present invention containsacetic acid. Preferably the composition also contains sodiumhexametaphosphate. By way of example, a suitable acetic acid solution isabout 1% to 2%. In accordance with the scope of this invention, the pHof the solution should be maintained between 4 and 7 inclusive.Preferably, the pH is 5.5±1, more preferably, the pH is about 5.0. Inorder to maintain the preferred pH range it is desirable to add a buffersystem to the dental composition. Such a buffer is preferably compatiblewith the preferred compounds, that is, it should not have any negativeeffect on same, and should be non-toxic.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The dental product of the present invention is a tooth paste,cream, gel, powder or dentifrice that cleans and brightens/whitensteeth. The dental product of the present invention may also be used totreat gum disease. It is equally well suited to prevent caries, calculiand tartar formation as well as to help remove them. The instant dentalproduct may also be an oral spray, a mouth freshener, wash, flush orrinse, a toothpick, a dental pack, plaster, floss or wipe, a chewabletablet or chewing gum. The dental product of the present invention mayfurther be a dog treat, chew or toy, including, but not limited to, avegetable chew, a rawhide, a nylon bone or dental floss wound up orthreaded together to make a treat, chew or toy.

[0018] The dental product of the present invention contains acetic acid.Preferably, the composition also contains sodium hexametaphosphate. In apreferred embodiment, the dental composition comprises about 0.05%sodium hexametaphosphate.

[0019] Examples of some acids which may be used according to the presentinvention instead of or in addition to acetic acid are phosphoric acid,boric acid, hydrochloric acid, maleic acid, benzoic acid, citric acid,lactic acid, malic acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid,glutaric acid, glycolic acid, gentisic acid, valeric acid, gallic acid,beta-resorcylic acid, acetyl salicylic acid, salicylic acid, perchloricacid, barbituric acid, sulfanilic acid, phytic acid, p-nitro benzoicacid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, myristic acid, lauricacid ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), ethyleneglycol-bis{beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid, anddiethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid and the like. The most preferredsalts are those of acetic acid but any pharmaceutically acceptable saltsof the above acids are equally suitable.

[0020] In the compositions of this invention, acetic and other organicacids are present preferably in an amount ranging from about 0.001% toabout 5.0% by weight of the total composition; more preferably fromabout 0.01% to about 3.0%; most preferably from about 0.05% to about1.2%, even more preferably from about 0.08 to about 1.0%.

[0021] The desired pH range achieved by the content of acid in thecomposition is between 4 and 7 inclusive. Preferably, the pH is 5.5±1,more preferably, the pH is about 5.0. In order to maintain the preferredpH range in some occasions it can be desirable to add a buffer system tothe dental composition. The selection of the buffer is well known in theart and the buffer is preferably compatible with the other ingredients,that is, it should not have any negative effect on same, and should benon-toxic.

[0022] The present invention successfully cleans and brightens teethwhile inhibiting and reducing the growth of plaque bacteria, which isachieved when acetic acid or other equivalent organic acid is utilizedin combination with conventional dental ingredients in effectiveconcentrations to treat the oral cavity. Small quantities of thisunexpectedly simple and nevertheless active component is required toobtain effective inhibition of plaque and other bacteria. Since lowquantities of active component can be used in the compositions of thisinvention, the side effects associated with use of the present inventionis correspondingly reduced or eliminated.

[0023] Microorganisms that may be eliminated by the present compositionand methods include but are not limited to Candida albicans,Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida krusei, Candidaparapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Malassezia species, Trichophytonrubrum, Epidermophyton species, Microsporum species, Sporothrix species,Blastomyces dermatitidis, Coccidiodes immiitis, Histoplasma capsulatum,Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae,Staphylococcus epidermis, Zanthomonus maltrophilia, Acinetobacter,Enterobacter cloacae, Serratia marscens, Listeria, Monocytogenes,Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumonia,Viridans streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae, Proteus mirabills,Proteus vulgaris and Bacterioides fragilis among many others.

[0024] In one form of this invention, the composition may be a liquidsuch as a mouthwash or rinse. In such a composition the vehicle istypically a water-alcohol mixture. Generally the ratio of water toalcohol is in the range of from about 1:1 to about 20:1, preferablyabout 3:1 to about 20:1 and most preferably about 3:1 to about 10:1 byweight. The most preferred mouthwash or mouth rinse compositionscomprise from 0 to about 30% by weight alcohol, such as ethanol. Thetotal amount of water-alcohol composition in a mouthwash composition istypically in the range from about 70% to about 99.9% by weight of thecomposition. The pH value of such a mouthwash composition is generallyfrom about 4.0 to about 7.0 and preferably from about 5 to about 6.5. ApH below 4 would be irritating to the oral cavity. A pH greater than 7would result in an unpleasant feel.

[0025] Oral liquid compositions may also contain surface active agentsin amounts up to about 5% and fluorine-providing compounds in amounts upto about 2% by weight of the composition.

[0026] The composition also comprises chelating agents, including butnot limited to, ethylenediaminetatraacetic acid, edetate sodium, edetatedisodium, edetate trisodium, edetate calcium disodium, deferoxamine,ditiocarb sodium, aluminum salts, citric acid-sodium salt, gluconicacid-sodium salt, tartaric acid, sodium hexametaphosphate, anthranilicacid, phosphonate, polyacrylic acid, alkyl-diamine polyacetic acids andsalts, penicillamine, pentetic acid, succimer and trientine. Thepreferred chelator is sodium hexametaphosphate. These chelators areespecially useful in preventing and dissolving calculus build-up.

[0027] Surface active agents are organic materials which afford completedispersion of the composition throughout the oral cavity. The organicsurface active material may be non-ionic, amphoteric, or cationic.

[0028] Preferred non-ionic surface active agents include condensates ofsorbitan mono-oleate with from 20 to 60 moles of ethylene oxide (e.g.,“Tweens” a trademark of ICI United States, Inc.), condensates ofethylene oxide with propylene oxide and condensates of propylene glycol(“Pluronics” a trademark of BASF-Wyandotte Corp.).

[0029] Other suitable non-ionic surfactants are the condensationproducts of an alpha-olefin oxide containing 10 to 20 carbon atoms, apolyhydric alcohol containing 2 to 10 carbons and 2 to 6 hydroxyl groupsand either ethylene oxide or a heteric mixture of ethylene oxide andpropylene oxide. The resulting surfactants are heteric polymers having amolecular weight in the range of about 400 to about 1600 and containing40% to 80% by weight of ethylene oxide, with a alpha-olefin oxide topolyhydric alcohol mole ratio in the range of about 1:1 to 1:3.

[0030] Amphoteric surfactants useful in the present invention arezwitterions having the capacity to act as either an acid or a base. Theyare generally non-irritating and non-staining. Non-limitative examplesof suitable amphoteric surfactants includecocoamidopropyldimethylsultaine and cocodimethylbetaine (commerciallyavailable from Lonza Chem. Co. under the trade-names Lonzaine CS andLonzaine 12C, respectively).

[0031] Cationic surface active agents are molecules that carry apositive charge such as the quaternary ammonium compounds and are wellknown to those of skill in the art.

[0032] A fluorine providing compound may be present in the oralcompositions of this invention. These compounds may be slightly watersoluble or may be fully water soluble and are characterized by theirability to release fluoride ions or fluoride containing ions in water.Typical fluorine providing compounds are inorganic fluoride salts suchas soluble alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, and heavy metal salts,for example, sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride, ammonium fluoride,cuprous fluoride, zinc fluoride, stannic fluoride, stannous fluoride,barium fluoride, sodium fluorosilicate, ammonium fluorosilicate, sodiumfluorozirconate, sodium monofluorophosphate, aluminum mono- anddifluorophosphate and fluorinated sodium calcium pyrophosphate.

[0033] In an oral liquid composition such as a mouthwash, the fluorineproviding compound is generally present in an amount sufficient torelease up to about 0.15%, preferably about 0.001% to about 0.05%,fluoride by weight of the composition.

[0034] The compositions of this invention may be substantially solid orpasty in character such as dental cream, toothpaste, toothpowder orchewing gum. Such solid or pasty oral compositions may also containpolishing materials. Typical polishing materials are abrasiveparticulate materials having particle sizes of up to about 20 microns.Nonlimiting illustrative examples include water-insoluble sodiummetaphosphate, potassium metaphosphate, tricalcium phosphate, dehydratedcalcium phosphate, anhydrous dicalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate,calcium pyrophosphate, magnesium orthophosphate, trimagnesium phosphate,calcium carbonate, alumina, aluminum silicate, zirconium silicates,silica, bentonite, and mixtures thereof. Polishing materials aregenerally present in an amount from about 20% to about 99% by weight ofthe composition. Preferably, such materials are present in amounts fromabout 20% to about 75% in toothpaste, and from about 70% to about 99% intoothpowder.

[0035] In clear gels, a polishing agent of colloidal silica and alkalimetal aluminosilicate complexes are preferred since they have refractiveindices close to the refractive indices of gelling agent liquid systemscommonly used in such dentifrices.

[0036] The compositions of the present invention may additionallycontain sweeteners, flavorants and colorants.

[0037] In the instance where auxiliary sweeteners are utilized, thepresent invention contemplates the inclusion of those sweeteners wellknown in the art, including both natural and artificial sweeteners.Water-soluble sweetening agents such as monosaccharides, disaccharidesand polysaccharides such as xylose, ribose, glucose, mannose, galactose,fructose, dextrose, sucrose, maltose, partially hydrolyzed starch, orcorn syrup solids and sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, xylitol, mannitoland mixtures thereof. Without limiting to these examples, water-solubleartificial sweeteners such as the soluble saccharin salts, i.e., sodium,or calcium saccharin salts, cyclamate salts, acesulfame-K and the like,and the free acid form of saccharin are equally suitable. Othersweeteners such as dipeptide based sweeteners such as L-phenylalaninemethyl ester and materials described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,492,131 (hereinincorporated by reference) and the like are equally suitable.

[0038] In general, the amount of sweetener will vary with the desiredamount of sweetness selected for a particular composition. This amountwill normally be 0.01% to about 40% by weight. The water-solublesweeteners are preferably used in amounts of about 5% to about 40% byweight, and most preferably from about 10% to about 20% by weight of thefinal composition. In contrast, the artificial sweeteners described arepreferably used in amounts of about 0.005% to about 5.0% and mostpreferably about 0.05% to about 2.5% by weight of the final composition.These amounts are ordinarily necessary to achieve a desired level ofsweetness independent from the flavor level achieved from flavorants.

[0039] Suitable flavorings include both natural and artificial flavors,and mints such as peppermint, citrus flavors such as orange and lemon,artificial vanilla, cinnamon, various fruit flavors and the like. In oneembodiment the flavoring agent comprises cinnamon-clove beads. Suchbeads can be additionally filled with fillers consisting of inertmaterials or medicinal agents such as vitamins or antibacterial agents.Both individual and mixed flavors are contemplated. The flavorings aregenerally utilized in amounts that will vary depending upon theindividual flavor, and may, for example, range in amounts of about 0.1%to about 6% by weight of the final composition.

[0040] The colorants useful in the present invention, include thepigments which may be incorporated in amounts of up to about 2% byweight of the composition. Also, the colorants may include other dyessuitable for food, drug and cosmetic applications, and known as FD & Cdyes and the like. The materials acceptable for the foregoing uses arepreferably water-soluble. Illustrative examples include the indigo dye,known as FD & C Blue No. 2, which is the disodium salt of5,5-indigotindisulfonic acid. Similarly, the dye known as FD & C GreenNo. 1, comprises a triphenylmethane dye and is the monosodium salt of4-[4-N-ethyl-p-sulfobenzylamino)diphenylmethylene]-[1-(N-ethyl-N-p-sulfoniumbenzyl)-2,5-cyclohexadienimine].A full recitation of all FD & C and D & C colorants useful in thepresent invention and their corresponding chemical structures may befound in the Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3rdEdition, in Volume 6, at pages 561-595, which text is accordinglyincorporated herein by reference.

[0041] A medicated dental floss for controlling the bacterial activityassociated with gingivitis is also contemplated. The floss incorporatesacetic acid which, as a result of the flossing action, is deposited tothe inter-dental area of the teeth. The slow dissolution of theantimicrobial agent ensures that effective levels of medication areattained for sustained periods, thereby reducing bacterial activity.Examples of making such floss are well known and are disclosed forexample in U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,921 herein incorporated by reference. Thepresent invention similarly applies to medicated dental wipes.

[0042] The present invention also involves a method for treating teethor gums to reduce plaque or gingivitis comprising applying to thesurface of the teeth and/or gums the compositions of this invention asdescribed above. The compositions can be applied to the teeth and gumsby any conventional means such as brushing, spraying, painting orrinsing of the oral cavity and the like. The compositions not onlycleans and brightens the teeth and retards plaque accumulation, but hasbeen demonstrated to remove pre-existing plaque as well. Additionally,the compositions show a prolonged effect on plaque accumulationfollowing cessation of treatment for at least about one week after use.This property is especially useful in veterinary applications whereanimals are not necessarily treated on a daily basis, but where longerintervals of time occur between treatments.

[0043] The compositions of this invention are also useful as a topicalantiseptic, disinfectant or antibacterial which is applied externally tothe skin around the mouth or oral cavity. The composition can bedelivered in form of a cream, lotion, lip balm, lipstick, or otherart-known forms of carriers.

[0044] Other uses and applications for compositions prepared accordingto the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Preferred uses include, but are not limited to, formulations for oraluse such as a mouthwash or dentifrice, mouth rinses (including swish andswallow preparations). Other preferred formulations for topical use arecontemplated which include, but are not limited to, skin sanitizers,surgical scrubs and preparations, handwashs, towlettes and wipes;formulations for treatment of infections of the skin or mouth area in ahuman; veterinary medicament for animal skin, hooves, claws, fur, orteeth; nail paints and polishes; skin preparations; and footwearinserts.

[0045] The following examples are presented to further illustrate thisinvention. The examples are intended in an illustrative sense and not ina limitative sense. The present invention includes the embodimentsdescribed and shown and any equivalents thereof. All parts andpercentages are on a weight basis unless otherwise indicated.

EXAMPLE 1

[0046] Tooth Paste Abrasive Powder 12.9 Calcium phosphate 25.0 Aceticacid 1.0 Carrageenan 1.0 Glycerin 10.0 Sorbitol 15.0 Sodium laurylsulfate 2.0 Flavor 1.0 Sodium saccharinate 0.1 Silicon dioxide 2.0 Water30.0

EXAMPLE 2

[0047] Tooth Powder Abrasive powder 95.3 Sodium lauryl sulfate 2.0Acetic acid 1.0 Flavor 1.5 Sodium saccharinate 0.2

EXAMPLE 3

[0048] Wet Tooth Powder Abrasive powder 64.38 Calcium phosphate 10.0Sorbitol 10.0 Sodium lauryl sulfate 2.0 Acetic acid 1.0 Flavor 1.5Calcium phosphate 1.0 Water 10.0 Sodium saccharinate 0.12

EXAMPLE 4

[0049] Mouthwash Acetic acid 1.0 Nonionic surfactant 0.7 Sorbitolsolution 50.0 Ethanol (95% in water) 10.0 Coloring agent 0.0004Flavoring agent 0.15 Water to 100%

EXAMPLE 5

[0050] Dentifrice Acetic acid 3.0 Sodium fluoride 0.24 Hydrated silica10-50 Xylitol 10-40 Xanthan gum 0.1-1.5 Cocobetaine 0.1-1.5 Flavoringagent 0.9 Water to 100%

EXAMPLE 6

[0051] Oral spray Citric acid; hydrous 1.0 Nonionic surfactant 1.2Ethanol 12.0 Glycerol 20.0 Sweetening agent 0.01 Flavoring agent 0.10Water to 100%

EXAMPLE 7

[0052] Chewing Gum (per stick) Estergum 142 mg Coumarone Resin 213 mgLatex 71 mg Paraffin Wax 47 mg Sorbitol 1309 mg Corn Syrup 400 mgFlavoring q.s. Sodium Bicarbonate 0.2-43 mg Sodium Chloride 0.3-23 mgSodium Thiocyanate 0.4-32 mg Sodium Fluoride 0.2-16 mg Ascorbic Acid 10mg Acetic Acid 10 mg

EXAMPLE 8

[0053] Breath freshener tablet Wintergreen Oil 0.6 mg Talc 10.0 mgMenthol 0.85 mg Peppermint Oil 0.3 mg Sodium Saccharin 0.3 mg MannitolUSP 180.95 mg Sodium Stearate 2.0 mg Sodium Bicarbonate 0.2-43 mg SodiumChloride 0.3-23 mg Sodium Thiocyanate 0.4-32 mg Sorbitol USP 180.0 mgLactose USP q.s. 1 gm Sodium Flouride 0.2-16 mg Acetic acid 2 mg

EXAMPLE 9

[0054] Chewable multivitamin tablet Vitamin A 5000 USP units Vitamin D400 USP units Ascorbic Acid 60 mg Thiamine HCl 1 mg Riboflavin 1.5 mgPyridoxine HCl 1 mg Cyanocobalamin 2 mcg Calcium Pantothenate 3 mgNiacinamide 10 mg Mannitol 236 mg Corn Starch 16.6 mg Sodium Saccharin1.1 mg Sodium Stearate 6.6 mg Talc 10 mg Wintergreen Oil 1.2 mg Menthol1.7 mg Peppermint Oil 0.6 mg Sodium Bicarbonate 0.2-43 mg SodiumChloride 0.3-23 mg Sodium Thiocyanate 0.4-32 mg Sodium Fluoride 0.2-16mg Acetic acid 22 mg

EXAMPLE 10

[0055] Veterinary, e.g., dog, tooth gel Water 65.95 SD Alcohol 40-B18.00 Sorbitol 10.00 PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer 1.80 Acetic acid 1.00C11-15 Pareth-12 1.00 Flavor 0.50 Methylparaben 0.20 Lactose (and)Cellulose (and) 0.10 Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (and) ChromiumHydroxyde Green (and) Tocopheryl Acetate Lactose (and) Cellulose (and)0.10 Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (and) Ultramines (and) TocopherylAcetate (and) Retinyl Palmitate Lactose (and) Cellulose (and) 0.10Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (and) Iron Oxide and Tocopheryl AcetateTriethanolamine 1.10 Sodium Benzoate 0.10 Sodium Hexametaphosphate 0.05

EXAMPLE 11

[0056] A solution of 0.1% of Neutral Red is applied to the front teethof each of two male adults A and B who had been using conventionalcommercially available dentifrice. Thereafter, a similar dyeingoperation is conducted one day after they began to use the dentifrice ofExample 1 and the plaque-stained areas before and after the use of thedentifrice of Example 1 is compared. In the case of A, the stained areaafter the change is about only 10% of the initial stained areaindicating that the decontamination of the plaque area is about 90%. Inthe case of B the decontamination of the plaque area is about 50%superior to conventional dentifrice. These beneficial effects resultfrom the twice-daily application of about 5 to 25 gram of the dentifriceof Example 1. Similar beneficial results are obtained when a thirdsubject rinsed the mouth with about 50 to 100 ml of mouthwash of Example4.

EXAMPLE 12

[0057] Minimum inhibitory concentration studies are performed using thegram-negative enterobacterium Pseudomonas aerugenosa (American TypeCulture Collection #9027) in accordance with the protocol for testingthe bactericidal activity of antimicrobial agents (Document M26-T of theNational Center for Clinical and Laboratory Standards). P. aerugenosa iscultured overnight at 37° C. in trypsin soy broth to a final density ofapproximately 1×10⁸ cfu/ml (0.5 McFarland standard) and then diluted1:10 with cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton medium. 10 microliters of thisbacterial culture is then added to 200 microliters of analready-prepared dilution series of the test solution (Composition ofExample 4). After a 5 minute incubation at room temperature, 10microliters of wash test solution is plated onto a sector of aLetheen-agar plate and incubated at 37° C. overnight. MIC breakpoint isinterpreted as the highest dilution for which no growth is evident. Theresults show that Compositions of Example 4 are far more effective invitro at inhibiting the growth of P. aerugenosa than the controlsolution, which contains the USP benzalkonium chloride mixture.

EXAMPLE 13

[0058] The dental composition of the present invention is coated on orincluded in dental chews including rawhide, vegetable chews, nylon bonesand dental floss wound up or threaded together to make a chew. Thedental chew is then given to dogs as a treat or toy.

[0059] The present invention has been described with respect to certainpreferred embodiments but it will be understood that variations andmodifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit ofthis invention and the scope of the appended claims.

1. A dog treat, chew or toy comprising acetic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 2. The dog treat, chew or toy of claim 1, comprising a vegetable chew.
 3. The dog treat, chew or toy of claim 1, comprising a rawhide chew.
 4. The dog treat, chew or toy of claim 1, comprising a nylon bone.
 5. The dog treat, chew or toy of claim 1, wherein the dog treat, chew or toy comprises dental floss wound up or thread together to make a treat, chew or toy.
 6. The dog treat, chew or toy of claim 1, wherein the acetic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is coated on or included in a treat, chew or toy.
 7. The dog treat, chew or toy of claim 1, further comprising sodium hexametaphosphate.
 8. A dental composition comprising acetic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and sodium hexametaphosphate.
 9. The composition of claim 8, wherein the dental composition is a dental product selected from the group consisting of a toothpaste, a tooth gel, a tooth cream, a tooth powder, dentifrice, oral spray, a chewable tablet, a chewable tablet coating, a chewing gum, a mouth freshener, a mouthwash, a mouth rinse, a flush, a plaster, a toothpick, a dental floss, a dental wipe and a dental pack.
 10. The composition of claim 8, comprising about 0.1% to about 5% acetic acid, preferably about 1% acetic acid.
 11. The composition of claim 8, comprising about 0.05% sodium hexametaphosphate.
 12. The composition of claim 8, further comprising a fluorine providing compound.
 13. The composition of claim 8, further comprising a flavoring agent.
 14. The composition of claim 8, further comprising a colorant.
 15. The composition of claim 8, further comprising an abrasive.
 16. A method of treating or preventing a dental disease in a subject comprising providing an effective amount of a composition comprising acetic acid and sodium hexametaphosphate and applying said composition to the teeth and gums of the subject.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the dental disease comprises plaque, caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, calculus, tartar, tooth decay, tooth discoloration, or combinations thereof.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein the subject is human or animal.
 19. A method of brightening and cleansing teeth in a subject comprising providing an effective amount of a composition comprising acetic acid and sodium hexametaphosphate and applying said composition to the teeth and gums of the subject.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the subject is human or animal. 